x
Breaking News
More () »

Suspected Serial Rapist Arrested in SC After Ancestry Test Matches DNA

Investigators say Gregory Howard Frye, 52, raped nine women and attempted to rape three more between 1995 and 2003.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) -- Law enforcement officials say an ancestry test that matched DNA evidence was the big break in a serial rapist case in South Carolina. 

Investigators say Gregory Howard Frye, 52, of Spartanburg was arrested Tuesday at his home in Spartanburg. 

He is accused of raping nine women and attempting to rape three more at different apartment complexes between 1995 and 2003. 

RELATED: Your DNA Sent to Public Database From Genealogy Sites Being Used to Solve Cold Cases

The victims were between 14 and 51 years old. 

Spartanburg Police Chief Alonzo Thompson says one of the victims was targeted twice, for a total of 13 incidents. 

Thompson says Frye's attacks were unpredictable, as evident in the length of time between each rape or attempted rape. 

RELATED: Clearing the Rape Kit Backlog: Will DNA Evidence Be Enough to Get Justice for Victims?

But all victims have similar stories of someone assaulting or attempting to assault them at apartment complexes in the early hours of the morning. 

For nearly 24 years, investigators just had a sketch, statements, and DNA samples collected from six incidents. They all matched the same person, but investigators couldn't pin down who that person was. 

"Approximately 6 months ago, investigators with both the Spartanburg City Police Department and Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office began looking at these cases from a different perspective," said Thompson. 

RELATED: DA Making Changes to Help Rape Victims Feel More Supported, Secure More Convictions

Chief Thompson says investigators collected new DNA samples, and sent them off to the State Law Enforcement Division for forensic analysis. 

Then, finally - a break in the case. 

"We received notification from SLED last week, that through their analysis the suspect with the matching DNA profile has been identified as Gregory Howard Frye," Thompson said.  

RELATED: What Are Genetic Testing Companies Doing With Your DNA?

WSPA reports the sheriff's office says an ancestry test matched the DNA collected from the crimes scenes back to Frye. 

Frye was charged with first-degree burglary, kidnapping and first-degree criminal sexual conduct for one of the incidents that happened in the county. More charges are pending. 

Frye is in the Spartanburg County Jail without bond. 

The sheriff's office and police department have notified neighboring agencies about the arrest so they can see if there are similar crimes in their jurisdictions. 

RELATED: DNA Links Man to 1992 Rape Cold Case in NC

Before You Leave, Check This Out